The Children's School (TCS) in La Jolla announced the launch of its Nelson Scholars Program, through which several full-tuition scholarships will be awarded in the 2011-12 school year for its Nelson Middle Years (NMY) program. These scholarships will extend from program entry until graduation.

Eligible candidates are well-rounded, academically motivated fifth through eighth grade students applying to and enrolling at The Children's School and its Nelson Middle Years program for the first time.

Scholarship criteria include: outstanding teacher recommendations; a strong demonstrated academic foundation and test scores; involvement in current school activities, extra-curricular programs, and/or community service; the willingness to be an active member of the NMY community; and excellent interpersonal skills.

Applicants for the Nelson Scholars Program will complete a TCS/NMY application and will follow the regular application schedule and process. All applications must be completed by February 1, 2011; awards will be made on March 4, 2011. Click here to download a copy of the Nelson Scholars Program brochure.

The Children's School and its Nelson Middle Years program offer San Diego's only private, progressive, project-based program for toddlers through eighth grade. Its student-centered curriculum integrates core academics with technology, music, art, science, Spanish and physical education. The Nelson Middle Years program features a classroom-as-laboratory model, a one-to-one laptop program, a league champion athletics program, and a new, state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot campus. At the heart of the program is a unique social curriculum that cultivates respect, positive communication, confidence and empathy.

"With our small class sizes and experienced, passionate teachers," said Head of School Brian R. Oliphant, "our Nelson Middle Years students have access to an exceptional learning environment where each one is able to develop to his or her highest potential. Our students are active participants in their learning. With the launch of The Nelsons Scholar Program, we aim to make a TCS/NMY education possible for a broader cross-section of the San Diego community and thereby deepen the experience for all of our students."

The Nelson Middle Years program, located on the six-acre La Jolla Shores campus of The Children's School, opened in 2007 and will graduate its first eighth grade class in June 2011. The Children's School has been serving the San Diego community since 1972.